System and method for reducing friction, torque and drag in artificial lift systems used in oil and gas production wells

ABSTRACT

A method of lubricating a fluid production pump may include mixing a polarized lubricant with water to produce a diluted lubricant. The method may additionally include creating a flowpath within the fluid production pump. An initial volume of the diluted lubricant may be circulated within the flowpath to allow the diluted lubricant to react with components of the fluid production pump and form a protective barrier on the components of the fluid production pump. The method may further comprise repeatedly introducing a periodic volume of diluted lubricant into the fluid production pump according to a predefined lubrication schedule.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/451,071, filed Jan. 27, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/581,610, filed Nov. 3, 2017, the contents of both of theaforementioned applications being expressly incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to lubrication, and morespecifically to a diluted polarized lubricant and a related method ofuse for lubricating industrial pumps, such as pumps used for oil and gasproduction.

2. Description of the Related Art

Artificial lift systems (ALS) are commonly used to pump production fluidfrom oil and gas producing wells. Such lift systems tend to beinefficient which may result in higher energy consumption and lostproduction.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new device or method ofuse which increases efficiency. Various aspects of the presentdisclosure address this particular need, as will be discussed in moredetail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a lubricant and amethod of using the lubricant to reduce drag, friction, and torque inoil and gas producing pumps.

Such pumps may include components such as sucker rods and tubing whichare subject to wear during operation. Wear may lead to inefficientproduction, higher energy consumption, and lost production caused byless than optimal run speeds. Furthermore, in the event of componentfailure, such components may be expensive and repair and replacement maybe very time consuming. These issues may have previously stemmed from alack of a sufficient lubricant solution for down hole oil and gasproduction systems which addresses performance, pump efficiency,longevity, or limited production capability due to the friction ofrod-on-tubing contact points, motor torque, and drag in Artificial LiftSystems, or the problem of excessive wear and premature failure ofproduction system components. In many other mechanical systems, metalcontact points may be continually lubricated to address performance andlongevity or failure issues. However, in oil production well operations,excessive friction, torque, and drag may reduce production volumes, andin some cases, cause pump inefficiencies and performance issues.Friction, torque and/or drag may create excessive wear on components ofoil production well systems, and consequently, may increase the cost ofownership and operation through premature wear, failure, replacement,and lost production related to downtime and increased energy costs ofoperation. These problems may affect all major types of Artificial LiftSystems, including progressing cavity pumps, electronic submersiblepumps, rod lifts or sucker-rod pumps, and various surface pumps used tomove gas condensate, salt water disposal, and other fluids.

Accordingly, various aspects of the present disclosure are directedtoward a lubricant and a method of use, which may be used withArtificial Lift Systems to address one or more of the issues notedabove.

According to one embodiment, there may be provided a method oflubricating a fluid production pump. The method may include mixing apolarized lubricant with water to produce a diluted lubricant. Themethod may additionally include creating a flowpath within the fluidproduction pump. An initial volume of the diluted lubricant may becirculated within the flowpath to allow the diluted lubricant to reactwith components of the fluid production pump and form a protectivebarrier on the components of the fluid production pump. The method mayfurther comprise repeatedly introducing a periodic volume of dilutedlubricant into the fluid production pump according to a predefinedlubrication schedule.

The creating step may include creating a closed loop flowpath within thefluid production pump.

The method may also include the steps of undoing the closed loopflowpath from the fluid production pump after the circulating step, andcreating a serial flowpath through the fluid production pump before theoperating step.

The method may further comprise the step of disposing the initial volumeof the diluted lubricant within the flowpath. The mixing step may beperformed before the disposing step.

The initial volume in the circulating step may be larger than theperiodic volume in the repeating step.

The method may additionally include the step of calculating a ratio ofpolarized lubricant to water based on a daily production volume of thefluid production pump.

The mixing step may include producing a diluted lubricant having a ratioof water to polarized lubricant in a range of 1:1-13:1.

The polarized lubricant in the mixing step may include a plant basedfluid. The polarized lubricant in the mixing step may include anemulsifier. The polarized lubricant in the mixing step may include apetroleum based fluid.

The method may further comprise the step of operating the fluid pumpbetween the circulating step and the repeatedly introducing step.

The method may include filling a scratch formed in the protectivebarrier with the periodic volume of diluted lubricant. The method mayadditionally include increasing coverage of the protective barrier onthe components of the fluid production pump.

According to another embodiment, there may be provided a method ofreducing friction in a fluid production pump. The method may includecirculating a diluted lubricant through the fluid production pump toallow the diluted lubricant to be attracted to the fluid production pumpand components thereof via a positive ion charge of the dilutedlubricant.

The method may additionally include the step of repeatedly introducingadditional diluted lubricant through the fluid production pump accordingto a predefined lubrication schedule.

According to another embodiment, there may be provided a dilutedlubricant for a fluid production pump. The diluted lubricant may includea polarized lubricant formed from a plant based fluid and including anemulsifier, and water. A ratio of water to polarized lubricant may be inthe range of 1:1-13:1.

The plant based fluid may include one of: grape seed oil, canola oil,sunflower oil, and soybean oil.

The polarized lubricant may be of an ionic positive charge.

The diluted lubricant may additionally include a lubricity additiveand/or a friction reducer.

The ratio of water to polarized lubricant may be in the range of4:1-10:1.

The present disclosure will be best understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of closed loop flowpath for recirculating adiluted polarized lubricant within an oil production pump during aninitial lubrication treatment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a flowpath for passing a diluted polarizedlubricant through the oil production pump during a periodic lubricationtreatment;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing a relationship between volume of productionfluid and volume of diluted lubricant; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart outlining steps in an exemplary method oflubricating a pump.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and thedetailed description to indicate the same elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of adiluted lubricant for use with oil and gas production wells, and arelated method of use, and is not intended to represent the only formsthat may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth thevarious structure and/or functions in connection with the illustratedembodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same orequivalent structure and/or functions may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope ofthe present disclosure. It is further understood that the use ofrelational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solelyto distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method of creatinga lubricant for use in industrial pumps, such as a variety of oil andgas production artificial lift systems (ALS) used to pump productionfluids from oil and gas producing wells. The lubricant may be created byadding water to a polarized lubricant to volumize the lubricant, andthus, achieve cost savings, particularly when used on a large scale. Thepolarity of the lubricant may allow positive ions in the lubricant to beattracted to free ions on the pump equipment to form a protectivebarrier film on the pump equipment. In other words, the lubricant doesnot simply coat the pump equipment; rather, the polar attraction betweenthe polarized lubricant and the pump equipment creates a force whichbinds the lubricant to the pump equipment. The treatment of lubricatingthe pump equipment with the lubricant may generally include a two-stepprocess, wherein the first step involves an initial treatment of thepump equipment with the lubricant, and the second step involves repeatedperiodic treatment of the pump equipment with the lubricant. Lubricatingthe pump in this manner may reduce friction, torque, and dragexperienced in the pump, and thus prolong the life of the pump and allowthe pump to operate more efficiently, e.g., more product may be pumpedusing less power. The reduction of rod-on-tubing coefficient offriction, motor torque, and/or drag in various ALS systems including,but not limited to, conventional rod pumps, progressing cavity pumps,electronic submersible pumps, and a variety of surface pump typescreates a positive change in key performance indicators. Furthermore,the thin film protective barrier formed on the pump equipment may alsoserve as an inhibitor of corrosion, scale formation, and paraffinformation on the pump equipment.

According to one embodiment, the lubricant used for treating the pump isa diluted lubricant generally comprised of a polarized lubricant (e.g.,a concentrate) and water. An exemplary polarized lubricant is PROFLOW™sold by ProOne, Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif.. However, it is understood thatthe scope of the present disclosure is not intended to limit the termpolarized lubricant to PROFLOW™, and other polarized lubricants known inthe art may also be used. According to one implementation, the polarizedlubricant is formed of hydrotreated mineral oil, synthetic fluids andpolymers, hydrocarbon distillates, and additives. In one exemplar weightpercentage of the concentrate polarized lubricant, the hydrotreatedmineral oil comprises more than 45% of the weight percentage of thepolarized lubricant, the synthetic fluids and polymers comprise lessthan 15% of the weight percentage of the polarized lubricant, thehydrocarbon distillates comprise less than 10% of the weight percentageof the polarized lubricant, and the additives comprise less than 10% ofthe weight percentage of the polarized lubricant.

The polarized lubricant may include natural vegetable oils, emulsifiers,and other constituents that produce a positively charged moleculestructure with a strong positive ionic (+) charge, which is attracted tometal surfaces for bonding to the metal surfaces. The emulsifiers withinthe polarized lubricant may allow the water and polarized lubricant tomix and not separate from each other so as to allow for the volumizingof the polarized lubricant. As such, the polarized lubricant may begenerally evenly mixed in the water. The natural vegetable oils mayinclude grape seed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, amongothers, and may serve as the base oil of the polarized lubricant, whichalso serves to provide lubrication benefits. It is also contemplatedthat in another embodiment, the polarized lubricant may include apetroleum based fluid.

The polarized lubricant is mixed with water to produce the dilutedlubricant. It is contemplated that a ratio of water to polarizedlubricant may vary from 1:1-13:1 in one embodiment. The amount of wateradded to the polarized lubricant may vary depending on the type of pumpwhich is being treated. For instance, it is contemplated that treatmentmay be performed on electronic submersible pumps, as well as rod pumps.For electronic submersible pumps, the ratio of water to polarizedlubricant may be 3:1-7:1, and more preferably 5:1. In the case of rodpumps, the ratio of water to polarized lubricant may be 4:1-8:1, andmore preferably 6:1.

The amount or volume of diluted lubricant that is created for a givenlubrication treatment may be based on the water portion (i.e., the“water cut”) of the total well production fluid volume for theassociated well. In other words, when production fluid is pumped fromthe well, the production fluid will include portion which is water, withthe volume of the water pumped from the well serving as the basis uponwhich the volume calculation of the diluted lubricant is made. Accordingto one embodiment, the volume of diluted lubricant required for a giventreatment may be referred to in terms of a percentage of the water cut,and in one particular embodiment, a parts per million (PPM), e.g.,X/1,000,000, of the water cut. In one implementation, the treatmentvolume of the diluted lubricant may be in the range of 100 PPM-5000 PPMof the water cut (e.g., 100/1,000,000-5,000/1,000,000), while in anotherimplementation, the treatment volume may be in the range of 250 PPM-3800PPM of the water cut, while in yet another embodiment, the treatmentvolume may be in the range of 400 PPM-2600 PPM of the water cut. Somefactors which may impact the treatment volume are the formation of thewell (e.g., the geology in which the well is located), the downholechemistries, and the API or gravity of the oil.

For example, a given well may be producing a production fluid comprisedof 50% oil and 50% water. If the well is producing 400 barrels (bbls) ofproduction fluid per day, the amount of diluted lubricant created wouldbe based on 200 bbls of water, which is equivalent to 8400 gallons ofwater (i.e., 1 bbl=42 gallons). For the range of 100 PPM-5000 PPM, basedon 8400 gallons of water, the amount of diluted lubricant would be 0.84gallons-42 gallons.

It is contemplated that the calculation of the volume of dilutedlubricant may be calculated from past data relating to water cut.However, the calculations may change after treatment begins, and pumpefficiency increases, thereby resulting in an increase in productionfluid pumped from the well. It is additionally contemplated that thecalculation of the volume of diluted lubricant may be calculated fromthe total production volume, which would be equal to approximately 50%of the production based on the water cut, or alternatively, thecalculation may be based on the oil amount, which may be substantiallyequal to calculations based on the water cut.

The relationship between the volume of diluted lubricant needed for agiven lubrication treatment is one such that as the volume of theproduction fluid increases, the parts per million of the dilutedlubricant decreases. As such, and referring now to FIG. 3, as the volumeof production fluid increases, the volume of the diluted lubricant maybe a smaller percentage of the water cut, although there may be anincrease in total volume. Accordingly, the lower ends of the PPM rangesprovided above may be associated with higher production amounts, whereasthe upper ends of the PPM ranges provided above may be associated withlower production amounts. For instance, a well producing 100 barrels ofoil per day may require a diluted lubricant that is 1200 PPM of thewater cut, whereas a similar well producing 1000 barrels of oil per daymay require a diluted lubricant that is 300 PPM of the water cut.

According to one embodiment, once the diluted lubricant is mixed orcreated, the diluted lubricant may be introduced into the pump tolubricate the pump according to a two-stage treatment process, includingan initial treatment and a periodic treatment, e.g., a daily treatment.

With regard to the initial treatment, a closed loop flowpath may becreated within the pump. In one embodiment, the closed loop flowpath maybe created by utilizing a u-tube to connect the exit line of the pumpwith the feed line of the pump. A schematic example of the closed loopflowpath is shown in FIG. 1, which shows pump inlet 10 and pump outlet12. Arrow 14 represents typical flow through the pump from the pumpinclude 10 to the pump outlet 12, while arrow 16 represents arecirculation tube, which recirculates fluid from the pump outlet 12 tothe pump inlet 10.

During the initial treatment, an initial volume of diluted lubricant isintroduced into the pump, with the pump being turned off. The dilutedlubricant may be introduced within the pump using a pumper, roper,treater truck, or an automated injector pump, which may include a timerwhich actuates the injector pump to pump diluted lubricant from areservoir or tank which is fluidly connected to the injector pump. Thus,the automated injector pump may allow for introduction of dilutedlubricant according to a present lubrication schedule independent ofoperator input. It is also contemplated that the diluted lubricant maybe pre-installed in the pump, in the case of a new pump, or if certaincomponents of the pump are being replaced, those components may bepre-loaded with the diluted lubricant. In this regard, the scope of thepresent disclosure contemplates adding diluted lubricant to the pump,on-site.

Once the closed loop flowpath is created, the pump is turned on to allowfor continual recirculation of the diluted lubricant within the pump.During recirculation, the diluted lubricant passes over the componentsof the oil production pump and the positive ions in the dilutedlubricant are attracted to the free ions on the exposed surfaces of themetal components of the oil production pump such that the lubricant isattracted to the components and may bind to the components to form aprotective film on the components. The components of the pump that mayinteract with the lubricant may include the rod(s), tube(s), conduit(s),elastomer parts, or any component having an exposed metal surface in theflowpath of the pump. According to one embodiment, the pump runs for1-24 hours, while in another embodiment, the pump runs for 2-12 hours,while in another embodiment the pump runs for approximately 2-4 hours toallow for sufficient lubrication of the components of the pump. Theduration of the recirculation may depend on the size of the pump or thetype of pump. During the recirculation period, the diluted lubricant maymix with the production fluid and form a substantially complete radialcoating of thin bonding lubricant film to metal surfaces of the pumpcomponents. The film that forms on the pump components may not onlyfunction as a lubricant, but may also function to inhibit corrosion ofthe pump components, as well as to inhibit scale/solid depositionformation on the pump components, in addition to inhibiting paraffinformation on the pump components. In this regard, corrosion may beinhibited by covering the metal surface of the pump components toprevent the metal surfaces with reacting with chemicals which wouldotherwise lead to corrosion. Scale or paraffin formation may beinhibited by creating a smooth, slippery surface to which scale andparaffins may not be able to attach.

The pump is then temporarily shut down, and the exit line is restored tonormal configuration. In other words, the closed loop flowpath is undoneby removing the return tube (represented by arrow 16) directing flowfrom the pump outlet 12 to the pump inlet 10. The pump may then beturned back on and the pump resumes normal production.

After the initial treatment has been completed on a given pump, periodictreatment may be recommended for restorative benefits. The periodictreatment may entail repeatedly introducing diluted lubricant into thepump according to a predefined lubrication schedule. According to oneembodiment, the predefined lubrication schedule is one which includes adaily lubrication of the pump, but may also include lubrication everyother day, or some other non-daily basis, or alternatively, a schedulein which lubrication occurs more than once a day.

It is contemplated that the water-to-lubricant ratio for the dilutedlubricant used in the periodic treatment may vary from the water tolubricant ratio used for the initial treatment. For instance, thediluted lubricant may be more dilute or less dilute than the dilutedlubricant used in the initial treatment. In one example, the volume ofdiluted lubricant in the initial treatment may be in the range of280-600 gallons, while the volume of diluted lubricant in the periodictreatment may be in the range of 7-50 gallons.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the pump configuration for periodictreatment. In this respect, diluted polarized lubricant may beintroduced into the pump inlet 10, flow through the pump, and exit viathe pump outlet 12. According to one embodiment, the volume of dilutedlubricant used in a single periodic treatment is fed into the pump inone dose over a 4-5 minute period. When the diluted lubricant flowsthrough the pump during the periodic treatment, the diluted lubricantmay return the thin film protective barrier to approximately 100%coverage over the pump components. In this regard, after the initialtreatment, as production fluid passes through the pump, particulateswithin the production fluid may form scratches or abrasions within thethin film protective barrier. Thus, the periodic treatment allows thediluted lubricant to fill in those scratch or abrasions to increase thecoverage of the thin film protective barrier.

The lubrication methodology described herein, and shown in the flowchartdepicted in FIG. 4 may increase pump performance, operating efficiency,and longevity in oil and gas production wells that may be hampered byexcessive friction caused by metal-to-metal (e.g., rod-on-tubing)contact of production system components and/or metal-to-nonmetalliccomponents, such as stators and seals, motor torque, and rod load due tofriction induced drag. Reductions of the coefficient of friction, drag,and/or torque may create positive changes in pump behaviors known as KeyPerformance Indicators, including but not limited to reduction in rodload, flow line pressures, running hours, energy consumption, failureoccurrences, increase in pump operating speeds, production volumes,annular gas flow, longevity of well and pump components, and pumpefficiency.

Test Data

Various embodiments of the lubrication treatment were used in severaltests, which resulted in improved operation of the tested pump, asexplained below.

Test #1—Progressing Cavity (PC) Pump Test

This test was conducted on a larger PC Pump having lower operatingspeeds (approximately 108 RPM) prior to testing due to high torque onthe top drive. The starting torque was about 1,175 Foot Pounds of Torque(FPT) with a control unit that auto shuts off at a level of 1250 FPT.After the treatment protocols were initiated, the torque was reduced to770 FPT and the pump motor speed was able to be increased to 210 RPM,while still operating under 1,100 FTP.

The treatment procedure entailed mixing 165 gallons of polarizedlubricant with 9 parts water to create the diluted lubricant. The wellwas shut down, and the production line was hose fed back into the wellor U-Tubed to provide re-circulation. The diluted lubricant wasintroduced down the suction side or back side of the production tubing,or fluid path, by a large pump truck using a pump at 1200 psi pushingthe diluted lubricant to the production zone. The well was turned backon and forced to re-circulate for 24 hours, mixing the diluted lubricantwith the production fluid, and performing a substantially full andradial coating of thin bonded lubricant film to metal surfaces. The wellwas then shut off, the hoses were removed, and the production linere-opened and the well turned back on line again.

The positive changes resulting from the procedure were as follows: (1)Top Drive torque dropped from 1,175 FPT to 800 FPT; (2) Pump Speedsincreased from 125 RPM to 210 RPM; (3) Top Drive Torque held at 1,100FPT during increased RPM's of pump; and (4) Production Volume wasincreased.

Test #2—Progressing Cavity Pump Test

This test was conducted on a pump that was inhibited in production speedand volume due to high surface drive torque and a high amperage load onthe well (i.e., approximately 940 foot pounds of torque at the surfacedrive and 48 amps on the pump motor, limiting the pump's operating speedto approximately 116 rpm). The pump was being repaired the day beforetreatment testing began and had previously failed several times in theprevious 90 days. After treatment protocols were followed, the torquewas reduced by 23% to 720 FPT and the amps were reduced by 25% to 36AMPS, allowing the RPM's on the pump to be increased to 250 RPM's. Dailytreatment was followed for 30 days, in which time all positive changesin key performance indicators were held. When the test terminated andtreatment was stopped, all of the positive changes were lost within aperiod of 48 hours, and the pump returned to its pre-test levels oftorque and energy consumption, requiring the operator to reduce theoperational speeds again.

The treatment procedure included mixing 150 gallons of polarizedlubricant with 10 parts water to create the diluted lubricant. The wellwas shut down, and the well was pulled. Test operators filled the tubingwith treatment lubricant fluid just before the rod was re-installed inthe tubing to create some saturation before the circulation phase. Thewell was turned back on and forced to re-circulate for 4 hours, mixingthe lubricant with the production fluid, and performing a full andradial coating of thin bonded lubricant film to metal surfaces, andelastomer parts. The production line was re-opened and the well turnedback on line again. Daily treatments of 60 gallons of diluted lubricantfluid were introduced as one batch treatment every 24 hours.

The positive changes resulting from the procedure were as follows: (1)Surface drive torque was reduced by 220 FPT or 23%; (2) Motor amps werereduced by 12 amps or 25%; (3) Flowline pressure was reduced by 24 psi;and (4) No failures during the 30-day test.

Test #3—Surface Progressing Cavity Pump Test

This test was conducted on Progressing Cavity (PC) surface pumps totransfer gas condensation through piping from large chillers that coolthe gas down and then pump the gas downstream to a scrubbing orfiltration center. Gas condensate has a high petroleum content that mayquickly dry out the rubber/composite stator in the surface PC pumps usedin the process. In the initial treatment, 5 gallons of the polarizedlubricant was mixed with water and was introduced each day via a dripsystem. Results indicated that the mixture restored lubricity in thestator of the PC pumps. The mixture acted as a conditioner andlubricator in the elastomer parts of the stators and seals. Oncetreatment began the operation of the pump became stable, efficient, andproduced less squelch sounding noise, and the improved operatingbehavior and sustained for the 30-day trail period without failure.After the test was terminated, the pump failed within 36 hours.

The treatment procedure entailed pouring 1 gallon of polarized lubricant(i.e., the lubricant concentrate, not the diluted lubricant) directlyinto the surface pump. A check valve and drip line was set up, and 5gallons a day of polarized lubricant fluid was continuously fed into thepump.

The positive changes in Key Performance Indicators were as follows: (1)surface drive torque was reduced and vibration was significantlymitigated; (2) Heat signature dropped by 15 degrees Fahrenheit; (3)Flowline pressure was reduced by 12 psi; (4) No failures during the 30day test; and (5) Improvement in operating behavior.

Test #4—Progressing Cavity Pump Test

This test was conducted on a well that was a high performing PC well,continuously running at 330 RPM's (i.e., running 24 hours a day, 7 daysa week) and almost at max capacity. The Key Performance Indicators(KPI's) of torque, surge, and energy consumption were all reducedimmediately after treatment protocols, and there was also a marginalincrease in production volume. Dramatic decreases in Daily Peak Torque,motor torque, current torque, and surge were all recorded by theoperator's automated well monitoring system. This well also realized areduction of 2.8 KW or 13% in energy consumption for the entire testperiod, and then returned to its previous behavior within 30 hours ofthe test termination.

The treatment procedure included mixing 105 gallons of polarizedlubricant with 9 parts water to create the diluted lubricant. Theproduction line was U-Tubed to provide treatment circulation. Treatmentfluid was introduced down the suction side or back side of theproduction tubing by a large pump truck using a pump at 1400 psi pushingthe treatment lubricant fluid to the production zone. The well wasturned back on and forced to re-circulate for 8 hours mixing thelubricant with the production fluid, and performing a full and radialcoating of thin bonded lubricant film to all metal surfaces. The wellwas then shut off, the production line re-opened and the well turnedback on line again. Daily treatments of 5 gallons of polarized lubricantwere introduced with water as a one batch treatment every 24 hours.

The positive changes in Key Performance Indicators were as follows: (1)Daily Peak Torque dropped from 620 FPT to 535 FPT—a 14% decrease; (2)Motor Average Torque dropped from 123 FPT to 116 FPT, a 5% decrease; (3)Kilo Watt Hours were reduced by 2.8, or 13%; and (4) Flow line pressurewas reduced by 34 psi.

Test #5—Progressing Cavity Pump Test

This well was a high performance, high producing well, continuouslyrunning at 330 RPM's at an 80% electrical load factor. The well receiveda 14% reduction in Daily Peak Torque, a 6% drop in Motor Torque, and a15% drop in Kilo Watt Hours immediately after treatment was initiated.Once the well treatment was terminated, the well returned to itsprevious levels 26 hours later, emphasizing the importance of dailytreatment.

The treatment procedure included mixing 105 gallons of polarizedlubricant with 9 parts water to create the diluted lubricant. Theproduction line U-Tubed to provide treatment circulation. Treatmentfluid was introduced down the suction side or back side of theproduction tubing by a large pump truck using a pump at 1400 psi pushingthe treatment lubricant fluid to the production zone. The well wasturned back on and forced to re-circulate for 12 hours mixing thelubricant with the production fluid, and performing a substantially fulland radial coating of thin bonded lubricant film to all metal surfaces.The well was then shut off, the hoses were removed, and the productionline re-opened and the well turned back on line again. Daily treatmentsof 5 gallons of polarized lubricant were introduced as one batchtreatment every 24 hours.

The positive changes in Key Performance Indicators were as follows: (1)Daily Peak Torque was reduced by 14%; (2) Motor Average Torque wasreduced by 6%; (3) Kilo Watt Hours were reduced by 2.9, or 15%; and (4)Well production increased with no increase of RPM's

Test #6—Roto-Flex Rod Pump Test

This well had failed and rod and tubing was replaced 3 times in theprior 45 days due to high friction of rod and tubing. This was a largerod pump with a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) that was operating at verylow speeds due to friction and drag. A VSD is a drive that will speed upor slow down automatically depending on friction and drag. This pumpregistered a rod load of over 51,000 lbs. with a pump speed of 1.4strokes per minute due to the high amount of rod load and drag, makingan average of 30 barrels per day over an 8-week history. After thelubrication treatment protocols were initiated, the flow line pressurewas reduced by 25 psi, the rod load was reduced by 10,000 lbs. (20%),and the pump speed increased to 4.3 strokes per minute as a result ofthe reduction in resistance—or drag and friction, increasing the totalproduction fluid volume to 160 barrels per day. This increase inproduction, along with the other favorable KPI's, operated successfully,without failure, at the new improved levels for the entire 30-day testperiod due to the reduced rod load, friction, and drag achieved by usingour test lubricant fluid. Once the treatment stopped, the rod load andfriction returned, the operating speeds and production volumes reducedto the pre-test levels, and the pump failed within 5 days due to rod ontubing friction.

The treatment procedure included mixing 110 gallons of polarizedlubricant with 9 parts water to create the polarized lubricant. The wellwas shut down, and the production line was hose fed back into the wellor U-Tubed to provide re-circulation. Furthermore, since the coiled rodwas ready to be installed, the test operators also filled the tubingwith diluted lubricant just before the rod was installed in the tubingto create some saturation before the circulation phase. Treatment fluidwas introduced down the suction side or back side of the productiontubing by a large pump truck using a pump at 2500 psi pushing thetreatment lubricant fluid to the production zone. The well was turnedback on and forced to re-circulate for 24 hours mixing the dilutedlubricant with the production fluid, and performing a substantially fulland radial coating of thin bonded lubricant film to metal surfaces. Thewell was then shut off and the production line re-opened and the wellturned back on line again. Daily treatments of 55 gallons of pre-mixeddiluted lubricant were introduced as one batch treatment every 24 hours.

The positive changes in Key Performance Indicators were as follows: (1)Rod load dropped 10,000 lbs from 50,000 lbs to 40,000 lbs or 20%; (2)Production speed increased from 1.3 SPM (strokes per minute) to 4.3 SPM;(3) Flow line pressure was reduced from 184 psi to 143 psi or 22%; (4)Production volume increased from 60BPD to 160BPD; and (5) Smootheroperation, with no failures during the 30-day test period.

Test #7—Roto-Flex Rod Pump Test

This test was conducted on a 12,567 foot well with a high failurehistory, with the well having been recently changed over to a Roto-Flexunit to better handle the higher rod string load caused by thedeviations in the well bore. Rod-on-tubing friction and rod load werebelieved to be causing well shut downs due to the upper limits beingreached. Once treatment was initiated, the well saw an immediateincrease in Strokes per Minute (SPM) from 1.3 to 3.2, an increase inproduction volume of 62 barrels a day. The flow line pressure wasreduced by 35 psi, and the well ran smoothly for the 15-day test period.After treatment was terminated, the well was down for service in 11 daysfor rod parting.

The treatment procedure entailed mixing 110 gallons of polarizedlubricant with 9 parts water. The well was shut down, and the well wasU-Tubed to provide re-circulation. Treatment fluid was introduced downthe suction side or back side of the production tubing by a large pumptruck using a pump at 1400 psi pushing the treatment lubricant fluid tothe production zone. The well was turned back on and forced tore-circulate for 8 hours mixing the lubricant with the production fluid,and performing a full and radial coating of thin bonded lubricant filmto all metal surfaces. The production line re-opened and the well turnedback on and on line again. Daily treatments of 5 gallons of polarizedlubricant were introduced with water as one batch treatment every 24hours.

The positive changes in Key Performance Indicators were as follows: (1)Rod load dropped from 34,000 lbs. to 25,000 lbs. or 36%; (2) Productionspeed increased from 1.3 SPM to 3.2 SPM; (3) Flow line pressure wasreduced by 35 psi; (4) Production volume increased from 60 barrels perday to 132 barrels per day; and (5) Smoother operation with no failuresduring the test period.

Test #8—Electronic Submersible Pump (ESP) Test

This well did not have capillary string tubing, so treatment protocolscalled for treatment of 115 gallons of polarized lubricant mixed withwater pushed down the backside, or fluid path. The goal was to reducethe high friction and drag caused by the individual chambers and bysolids deposition. The well's tubing pressure was also high, reading at286 psi before treatment. Once treated, the tubing pressure was reducedto 190 psi, a 34% reduction, and the friction was reduced, as evidencedby a drop in the amperage draw of 19%.

The treatment procedure entailed mixing 115 barrels of polarizedlubricant with water to produce diluted lubricant, pushed down thebackside casing. The well was U-Tubed to provide re-circulation. Dilutedlubricant was introduced down the suction side or back side of theproduction tubing by a large pump truck using a pump at 1,400 psipushing the treatment lubricant fluid to the production zone. The wellwas turned back on and forced to re-circulate for 12 hours mixing thediluted lubricant with the production fluid, and performing asubstantially full and radial coating of thin bonded lubricant film toall metal surfaces. The production line re-opened and the well turnedback on and on line again. Daily treatments of 4 gallons of polarizedlubricant mixed with water were introduced as one batch treatment every24 hours.

The positive changes in Key Performance Indicators were as follows: (1)Heat signature of pump dropped by 15 degrees Fahrenheit; (2) Electricalload dropped by 18%; (3) Flow line pressure was reduced from 286 psi to190 psi or 34%; and (4) Production volume increased slightly.

Test #9—Electronic Submersible Pump (ESP) Test

180 gallons of polarized lubricant mixed with water as a treatment wasinitiated on Day 1, followed up by a daily batch dosage of 5 gallons ofpolarized lubricant e mixed with water. The high friction down holebetween the chambers was reduced, as the amperage draw was decreased by17%, which held constant for the duration of the test. The tubingpressure was decreased by 20%, from 320 psi to 256 psi, allowing forincreased laminar flow and increased production of 12% per day.

The treatment procedure entailed flushing 18 gallons of polarizedlubricant down the back side casing. The production line was hose fedback into the well or U-Tubed to provide re-circulation. The well wasturned back on and forced to re-circulate for 12 hours mixing thelubricant with the production fluid, and performing a substantially fulland radial coating of thin bonded lubricant film to all metal surfaces.The well was then shut off, the hoses were removed, and the productionline re-opened and the well turned back on and on line again. Dailytreatments of 4 gallons of polarized lubricant were introduced as onebatch treatment every 24 hours.

The positive changes in Key Performance Indicators were as follows: (1)Heat signature of pump dropped by 12 degrees Fahrenheit; (2) Electricalload dropped by 12%; (3) Flow line pressure was reduced by 18%; and (4)Production volume increased slightly.

The above tests demonstrate a repeatability of results evidenced byrepeated positive changes in the key performance indicators in variousproduction well types.

What is claimed is:
 1. A diluted lubricant for a fluid production pump,the diluted lubricant comprising: a polarized lubricant formed from aplant based fluid and including an emulsifier; and water; a ratio ofwater to polarized lubricant being in the range of 1:1-13:1.
 2. Thediluted lubricant of claim 1, wherein the plant based fluid includes oneof: grape seed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil.
 3. Thediluted lubricant of claim 1, wherein the polarized lubricant is of anionic positive charge.
 4. The diluted lubricant of claim 1, furthercomprising a lubricity additive.
 5. The diluted lubricant of claim 1,further comprising a friction reducer.
 6. The diluted lubricant of claim1, wherein the ratio of water to polarized lubricant is in the range of4:1-10:1.